MEET SHAIFUL!

Sephora Branches Out with Nu Sentral Store

These
days, looking great and beautiful is no longer a desire but a need.

With beauty
goods being accessible to masses plus the advent of technology and mass media
exposure, everyone can look either like a Hollywood star, a supermodel or a
beauty queen, depending on how your budget looks like.

On
a recent weekend, world famous beauty emporia Sephora strengthened its presence
in Malaysia with the opening of its sixth store in the country.

Located at Nu
Sentral, a new shopping mall that is adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Sentral
transportation hub, the new store opening was met with a great fanfare among beauty
connoisseurs.

As
early as 1p.m. in the afternoon, fans of Sephora were making a long beeline in
front of the store, waiting for the outlet to officially open at 3.30p.m.

However, invited bloggers – yours included - were the privileged lot on that
day as they were not only given exclusive admission way before the rest of the
crowd within the snaking queue, but also a cash voucher worth RM100 to be spent
on any beauty products available in store on the day itself.

Like
other Sephora stores around the Klang Valley as well as in Penang, the Nu
Sentral outlet features modern and clean interior with ample space for
customers to move around.

The aisles are well-stocked with up-to-date products
by a coterie of world famous brands, such as Estée Lauder, Christian Dior,
Clinique, Benefit, Lancôme, and Clarins; exclusive to Sephora beauty brands
such as Burt’s Bees, Caudalie, Ciaté, Fresh, Josie Maran (an ethical cosmetic
label founded by model Josie Maran), Fresh, Stila, Peter Thomas Roth and many
more.

As
I peruse the shelves, a staff recommended me one of its top-selling brands –
Glamglow. Said to be favoured by Hollywood celebrities, Glamglow was originally
designed for exclusive professional backstage use in Hollywood productions.

In
2011, the brand became available to consumers worldwide and subsequently shot
to international stardom thanks to its fast-acting and innovative mud
treatment. Yet,
what caught my interest the most on Glamglow is its humble start.

Glamglow was started by husband and
wife Glenn and Shannon Dellimore, who started out the project after an actor
friend complained that he could find a product that could make his skin camera
ready and instantly reduce problems such as pores, sun damages, fine lines and
impart noticeable glow that stays for days.

Moreover, what started out as their
$80.00 home-based project eventually evolved into a multi-million dollar business!
Now that is what I call real deal Hollywood success story.

In
the fragrance section, fragrance lovers will be literally spoiled by choices
with well-edited selections, ranging from the classic cult favourites to new
releases.

Apart from famous and prestigious brands, Sephora’s in-house brand
too is a cult favourite among beauty connoisseurs around the world.

Launched in
1995, the Sephora range of products is comprised of accessories, makeup, bath
and accessories that are affordable and packaged in exciting packaging.

Also
available at Sephora Nu Sentral is the Sephora makeover service where customers
can have full make up service to suit every occasion.

At 3.30p.m., emcee and DJ
Patricia Knudsen welcomed the customers followed by a dance performance by
Sephora staffers who were all dancing to the infectious beat of I Don’t Care by
Icona Pop.

The first 200 customers received vouchers to be used in store while
a selection of goodies were also given away to lucky customers via prompt pop
quiz session.

EDITOR'S LOVE LETTER

One month from now, Christmas will be upon us, followed by New Year. Again, shopping malls and stores are literally screaming, “’Tis the season to go shopping!”

If in the previous years, our choices were limited to four collections – spring/summer, pre-fall, fall/winter and cruise - per year, the recent years have seen quite a surprising change. Spring has been separated from summer into a distinctive collection and same goes to winter – on its own. Overall, there are FIVE collections in a year! Does this mean yay or nay?

To the retailers, it is a certain 'yay' because it will lead to greater profit generation. To fashionistas who are always hungry for new clothes, it also means a huge ‘yay’ as they can keep on hunting for what’s new every day of the week. But what about fashionistas who are into fashion but lag behind when it comes to the finance part? A really tough situation, I suppose.

In this kind of situation, most fashionistas are torn between ready-to-wear and the accessories. To the accessories camp, accessories are worth investing in as they are not prone to seasons.

Take Birkin for instance. Regardless of what year or season, a black alligator hide 50cm Birkin in glossy finish is always relevant and goes well with anything, even in the next thousand years to come. So is Céline Luggage bag by Phoebe Philo that not only practical but also stands the test of time. Safe-keep them well and they can be the best heirlooms any girl could ask for.

While ready-to-wear is never a man’s problem, since menswear silhouettes and looks remain much the same season after season, the problem is more obvious with women.

Being season prone, many smart shoppers opt to stick with iconic or permanent pieces. Not only they are forever relevant but most importantly, they often last for a lifetime! Yet, there is a downside to it, if you were cash-strapped: They cost more than seasonal pieces. Furthermore, do not expect them to be seen on the sale rack once the season ends.

Speaking of permanent pieces, one of my favourite permanent or iconic looks that can be worn from day to night is the wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Simple yet sexy, practical yet chic, the wrap dress has stood the test of time since it was first produced in the 1970s.

Furthermore, its appeal also lies in one fact every chic woman embrace: A wrap dress does not bring out the je ne sais quoi of a French woman or the cosmopolitan elegance of a New Yorker in you. Instead, it enhances your femininity, regardless of your age, your race, or your social background. Just as true as its creator once said, “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”

So, no matter what your choice is, always remember that comfort is the main key to happiness and satisfaction. After all, having to walk and pose in pain for that bandage dress can be a waste of time, dear!

From me and Fashion Heaven Rants, wishing you a very chic Merry Christmas ahead!

Beaucoup d’Amour

Shaiful

WHO WEAR WHAT?

Sharon Stone seen with Mademoiselle Longchamp bag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)